AIC Mahindra Call for Incubation (2026 Cohort)

• Startups in Telangana at product or revenue stage seeking incubation at AIC Mahindra.

About this scheme

The AIC Mahindra Call for Incubation (2026 Cohort) is a meticulously structured incubation program designed for early-stage startups. It is run by AIC Mahindra e-Hub Foundation, an Atal Incubation Centre strategically established by Mahindra University in Hyderabad. The center operates under the aegis of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, a flagship initiative of the Government of India dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. This stage-wise incubation model is structured to support founders through critical phases of ideation, validation, and venture development, providing a robust ecosystem for growth.

AIC Mahindra plays a pivotal role in strengthening India's innovation landscape, leveraging the academic rigor and research capabilities of Mahindra University. The program aims to nurture groundbreaking deep-tech ventures that can address real-world challenges and contribute to national development. While specific equity terms and direct seed funding amounts are not publicly stated for this particular call, AIC Mahindra, as an AIM-supported incubator, facilitates access to the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). For empanelled startups, SISFS can provide crucial financial support, offering up to Rs. 20 Lakhs as a grant and up to Rs. 50 Lakhs as convertible debt. The core benefits of the program itself are primarily focused on comprehensive non-monetary support, leveraging the university's advanced resources and extensive network.

Participants gain access to a dedicated on-campus workspace at Mahindra University in Hyderabad, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. The program offers a suite of specialized laboratories, including state-of-the-art maker labs, advanced robotics labs, cutting-edge EV labs, and sophisticated life sciences labs. These facilities are critical for hardware and deep technology development, enabling startups to build, test, and refine their prototypes. Additionally, selected startups benefit from invaluable mentorship provided by experienced founders, seasoned operators, and strategic investors. This mentorship extends beyond advice, offering practical guidance on product-market fit, business model refinement, and fundraising strategies. Participants also gain valuable connections to the broader Mahindra Group ecosystem, potentially facilitating pilot projects and strategic partnerships, and access to a curated network of investors, enhancing their opportunities for follow-on funding.

Who can apply

• Founders must be building solutions for a real problem, demonstrating a clear understanding of market needs and a commitment to addressing them meaningfully, rather than simply following fleeting trends.
• Startups need to demonstrate a working Proof of Concept (PoC), a functional prototype, or already have early users.
• This requirement ensures that applicants have moved beyond the ideation stage and possess initial validation of their concept.
• Applicants must be registered as a Private Limited company in India, or be prepared to register one upon selection, as this is the standard legal structure for scalable and investment-ready ventures.
• The program actively seeks committed founders who have dedicated significant effort to their venture and continue to show consistent engagement, resilience, and leadership qualities crucial for navigating startup challenges.
• Solo founders and student founders are explicitly welcome to apply, fostering inclusivity.
• External early-stage startups, not directly affiliated with Mahindra University, are also considered for the program, broadening the talent pool.
• Finally, selected startups must be willing to be onboarded at the Mahindra University campus in Hyderabad, Telangana, indicating a requirement for physical presence for the duration of the program.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited

Benefits & funding

• The program facilitates access to the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), potentially offering up to Rs.
• 20 Lakhs as a grant and up to Rs.
• 50 Lakhs as convertible debt for empanelled startups.
• Core benefits include comprehensive non-monetary support, leveraging Mahindra University's academic rigor, research capabilities, and specialized on-campus lab facilities.
• The program provides a robust ecosystem for founders through ideation, validation, and venture development.

Frequently asked questions